Annmarie Starr set to help Galway shine in final

It is totally in keeping with Annmarie Starr's way that she slipped quietly in the back door after a two-year absence from the Galway squad caused by getting married and having a baby girl, while the spotlight focused firmly on the return of Niamh Kilkenny to the fold after the former player of the year had missed last season to give birth to her son.

Starr’s wedding to Seán Hardiman took place a fortnight after she added a third Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie medal in 2021 to the club memento garnered 10 years previously with Killimor. Lottie was born in June of the following year, a month after her mother turned 30.

It was something of a throwback to see the duo lining out at midfield together last March, as they had done so often over the years. Kilkenny, who also starts in today’s final against champions Cork, was introduced in the closing minutes of the 0-14 to 0-09 league triumph over the Rebels.

It is 15 years now since Starr was first involved with Galway, a youngster gaining experience at in-house games before making the panel properly in 2010 and getting game time in 2011. She has known the highs and lows, losing All-Irelands in those first two seasons as well as in 2015 and 2020.

She came on as a sub in the three successes of 2013, 2019 and 2021 and has overcome many obstacles to be here, readying for an eighth final.

Not that having a child should be an obstacle and thankfully, there are many top-tier female athletes in Ireland and around the world that have returned to ply their trade at the highest level after giving birth. Like any other part of a sportsperson’s life, it’s about the support structures.

"I had a little girl, Lottie," Starr details. "She was two in June. She’s out and about at the matches